Data Recovery Software for NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5410RN2404 Data: How to Choose the Right Tool

Contents

• Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
• How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?

Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.

Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.

Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like Buffalo also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.

Are there any specific factors to consider when choosing a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5410RN2404 device to minimize data loss risks?

Yes, there are several factors to consider when choosing a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5410RN2404 device to minimize data loss risks:

1. Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID): The NAS device should support RAID configurations, such as RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6. These configurations provide data redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives, so if one drive fails, the data can still be accessed from the remaining drives.
2. Hot-Swappable Drives: The NAS device should have hot-swappable drive bays, allowing you to replace a failed drive without shutting down the system. This minimizes downtime and reduces the risk of data loss.
3. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Ensure that the NAS device has built-in backup and disaster recovery features. This includes options for scheduled backups, remote replication, and cloud backup integration. Regularly backing up your data to an external storage device or offsite location is crucial in minimizing data loss risks.
4. Power Protection: Consider using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect the NAS device from power surges, outages, and voltage fluctuations. Sudden power loss can lead to data corruption or loss, and a UPS can provide temporary power during such events, allowing the NAS to shut down properly.
5. Network Security: The NAS device should have robust security features, including user authentication, access controls, and encryption. This helps protect your data from unauthorized access or cyber threats.
6. Firmware Updates: Regularly update the NAS device's firmware to ensure it has the latest security patches and bug fixes. Outdated firmware can have vulnerabilities that may lead to data loss risks.
7. Monitoring and Notifications: Choose a NAS device that provides monitoring tools and notifications for disk health, system status, and other critical events. This allows you to proactively address any potential issues before they lead to data loss.
8. Data Integrity Checks: Some NAS devices offer data integrity checks, such as periodic scrubbing or checksum verification. These features help identify and repair any data corruption issues, reducing the risk of data loss.
9. Quality and Reliability: Consider the reputation and reliability of the NAS device manufacturer. Read reviews and seek recommendations from trusted sources to ensure you choose a reliable device that minimizes the risk of hardware failures and subsequent data loss.

Remember, while NAS devices can help minimize data loss risks, it is always recommended to have an additional backup solution in place, such as cloud storage or an offline backup, for added redundancy and protection.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS TeraStation TS5410RN2404 can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:

1. Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.

   WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.

2. Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.

3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

4. Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS5410RN2404. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.

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How to recover data from a Buffalo

TeraStation TS5410RN2404 has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• JBOD;

NAS supports:

• exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
• NTFS / ReFS;
• APFS / HFS+;
• Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
• VMFS / HikvisionFS;

Safe recovery from disk images

This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:

• Overwriting during the recovery process;
• Loss resulting from bad sectors;
• User mistakes.

To create an image, do the following:

1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

3. When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.

   

4. At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.

   

Where are user’s files stored?

The Buffalo TeraStation TS5410RN2404 network-attached storage keeps OS Linux operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery